What to do with your Christmas tree

Your noble fir — or maybe you went for a blue spruce, or a Douglas fir — has done its festive service.

Your tree can find a new purpose as wood chips or compost, according to King County. But how do you get it out of your home and on the path to its next adventure?

Seattle Public Utilities customers, including people who live in apartments or condos, can compost trees for free through Jan. 31. 

Your tree needs to be cut into 4-foot sections or shorter and the diameter of the trunk must be 4 inches or less. You can put up to two trees next to your food and yard waste cart on collection day. Apartment and condo residents, take note: Any additional trees beyond the two are considered extra yard waste and fees apply.

You can also drop off your tree at the North or South Transfer Station, also free of charge. Each vehicle can drop off up to three trees. Trees can’t be taller than 8 feet, and the trunk diameter must be 4 inches or less. Make sure to remove any decorations. That includes flocking (fake snow).

If you live in King County but not in Seattle, you can find where to recycle your tree online at King County’s “tree-cycling” webpage. You can find more information at King County Solid Waste Division’s holiday tree recycling page.

Pierce County residents can recycle trees in their yard waste bin or take it to a transfer station. If you live in Tacoma, Puyallup, Milton or Orting, reach out to your garbage and recycling service provider for more information about how to recycle your tree.

Snohomish County residents can use an interactive service provider map on Snohomish County’s official website to find more information about curbside collection service and where to dispose of yard waste.

Local scout troops also recycle Christmas trees. You can find an online list of local troops offering this service at the Regional Scouts BSA Christmas Tree Recycling and Lots page.